University Access Scholarships

The Partnership funds Access Scholarship Programs at five universities across Ireland and Northern Ireland: Trinity College, Dublin City University, University of Limerick, Queen's University, and University of Ulster. Access scholarships target historically underrepresented student populations, guaranteeing that modern Irish universities have a student body that is as richly diverse as the country itself. Most of these disadvantaged students would not be able to attend college without financial support, so the grants are crucial in ensuring equal opportunity for all Irish students to receive a college education. University Access Programs also provide vital counseling services and tutoring to help students acclimate once they get to school. This has proven so successful that, at DCU, access graduation rates are significantly higher than non-access!

“With such a busy schedule, the scholarship means that approaching exams and deadlines I can cut back on my part-time job hours to allow me to achieve the best I can. Having worked hard to secure my place at University, I want to make sure I get the most out of this experience and excel, rather than simply scrape through. This scholarship is life-changing….I feel very humbled by the compassion of those that support the Fund.”

— Bradley Lynch

“As a single mother who works part-time, the Scholarship which I have been awarded has been a godsend to my financial situation....This will allow me to concentrate on my studies without the stress and distractions which a tighter financial situation would have on my ability to focus on the successful completion of my course.”

— Breege McDonald

A university education can make all the difference for a young person seeking to pursue the career of their dreams. If you have benefited from a university education, please consider donating to the Partnership's access program. These scholarships give dozens of bright, deserving students the chance to fully develop their potential.